The American Legion Riders are members of the American Legion who are also motorcycle enthusiasts. They can be found participating in parades, partaking in motorcycling events, and supporting the communities in which they live, work, and play. Members of the ALR come from the Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion. The American Legion Riders were formed

• to participate in parades and other ceremonies that are in keeping with the Aims and Purposes of the American Legion.
• to promote motorcycle safety programs and to provide a social atmosphere for American Legion members who share the same interest.
• to use our Association to promote and support programs of the American Legion. The American Legion Riders is not a M/C, and does not practice M/C rules or regulations. The American Legion Riders is family-oriented, just as is its parent organization: the American Legion. 

To view a slideshow on Post 6 activities and events click HERE!

For the latest monthly activity report and an archive of previous monthly reports, click HERE!  

The Post 6 American Legion Riders

The Post 6 American Legion Riders meet at 7:00 PM the third Thursday of each month at Richland Post 6 American Legion, 200 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC 29205

The membership requirements for the American Legion Riders are very straightforward. To become a member, you must...

• be a current member in good standing of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion.
• be the owner of a motorcycle of at least 350cc engine displacement and must possess a valid driver's license in your state of residence (military equivalents acceptable as well) ~or~ must be the legal spouse of an ALR member in good standing within the Chapter of application.

Note: To be a member of the Columbia, South Carolina American Legion Riders, you must be a member of the Columbia, SC American Legion Richland Post 6. An exception is given if your American Legion Post doesn't have an ALR Chapter. 

• April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 (World War I)
• December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 (World War II)
• June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955 (Korean War)
• February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War)
• August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon/Grenada)
• December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990 (Operation Just Cause - Panama)
• August 2, 1990 to today (Operation Desert Shield/Storm/Iraqi Freedom)

 A copy of your DD214 showing dates and character of service is required at application.

To join the SAL you must be a male descendant (includes stepsons and adopted sons but does not include in-laws) of...   

a member of The American Legion

or a Veteran who died in service during any of the qualifying periods of conflict listed above

or of a Veteran who served during one of the qualifying periods of conflict, was honorably discharged, and died subsequent to their service

 A copy of The American Legion membership card or DD214 of the Veteran through whom you are qualified is required at application.

To join the Auxiliary you must be a woman who...

• is eligible for membership in The American Legion
• or is the mother, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-grand-daughter, or grandmother of members of The American Legion
• or is the mother, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-grand-daughter, or grandmother of deceased veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during the listed war periods
• or is a step relative to a qualified or deceased veteran.

Note that, as with the SAL, in-law relatives to the qualified Veteran are not eligible for membership.

A copy of The American Legion membership card or DD214 of the Veteran through whom you are qualified is required at application.

If you meet the requirements above and would like to know more about joining our post, please contact our Director, L.Z. Harrison, Jr.  for more information.
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Post 6 American Legion Riders
Links of Interest

National American Legion Riders Site (Official)

National American Legion Riders Site

State American Legion Riders Site

Richland Post 6 American Legion

S.C. American Legion Riders Forum
(hosted by Chapter 193, Chapin)

American Legion Flag and Emblem Store

 American Legion National Site 

Sons of the American Legion

 American Legion Auxillary

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American Legion Riders Regalia Requirements for South Carolina:

• The sleeveless vest is the approved minimum article of clothing on which ALR regalia may be displayed and rules apply equally to sleeved garments.
• The American Flag patch shall be displayed on either side of the front of the vest providing the stars of the flag are closest to the center of the chest and in the highest feasible position. No other item will be displayed above the American Flag.
• The ALR emblem shall be displayed on the front left breast of the pocket below the U.S. Flag.  This may be the mini-patch, the 1 line shoulder patch, or the 3 ling shoulder patch. Refer to the bylaws for embrodiery information.
• The emblem of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or ALR shall be displayed on the front left breast of the vest below the Legion Riders Patch.
• POW/MIA patches will be worn on the right side of the chest in the highest position, providing it does not go above the American Flag.
• The ALR back patch emblem will be displayed in the center of the back, and there will be no rockers of any kind. Embrodiery guidelines are in the bylaws.
• Additional patches of the rider's choice are allowed as long as they are not  vulgar, profane, provactive, or threatening to non-members.
• The formal headgear is either the black ALR ball cap or the black ALR beret with the ALR patch sewed on the the beret, with the numeral "6" to the wearer' right of the emblem.

   


The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Website has an excellent library of documents and pamphlets with information about things like group riding, gear, inspections, etc.

Please be familiar with the guidelines and hand signals used for group riding before going out on the road with us.

In addition to the safe riding techniques provided above, the following is a list of responsibilities for each rider in the group:

GROUP RIDERS

• All riders are expected to ensure that their bike is in a safe operating condition, fueled, and generally ready to go.
• All Riders are responsible for their own safety at all times and will be required to ride in a safe manner or leave the ride.
• All Speed and Traffic laws must be obeyed by everyone at all times.
• Drinking and driving is never a good idea and must be totally avoided while participating in a group ride.
• The normal riding formation will be the staggered or diamond formation as it is sometimes known. This formation provides the best safety margin of reaction time and space as each rider only uses one third (either right or left side depending on the stagger position) of the lane. Keep at least a (two second interval behind the bike ahead). Heavy, very slow traffic may require that you ride in a side by side column of twos for a very short distance. A staggered formation complete with a safe interval (two seconds) should be immediately adopted as soon as conditions allow.
• Everyone is responsible for knowing what all the hand signals mean and for passing all signals from the Road Captain to the following riders.
• All riders are responsible for knowing as much as possible about the route, times, stops, etc. They should arrive at the departure point in time to hear everything discussed at the pre-ride meeting and to familiarize themselves with any maps or written instructions that may be provided.
• All riders must clearly signal the Sweep Rider if they decide to leave the ride for any reason. Don't make the Sweep Rider wonder if you are having trouble and follow you to see if they can help.
• Riders should not speed up suddenly should a gap develop between them and the bike in front. Rather, they should accelerate slowly until they catch up and are back in position. This will help prevent the riders in back from over reacting and possibly running into the group when they suddenly catch up.
• Riders should signal the Road Captain when they have to pull over for an emergency by flashing their lights. All other riders are responsible for passing this signal forward until the Road Captain acknowledges that he has seen it.
• Remember that it is normally the Sweep Rider's responsibility to stop and offer assistance and that no more than one other rider should stop to help the Sweep Rider, as it is generally not safe for a larger group to park along the side of the road. The Road Captain will signal the group when it is safe to pull off the road should he feel it is necessary.

ROAD CAPTAIN

• The Road Captain is the leader of the ride. As the leader, he is responsible for setting an example for the group. The Road Captain must exercise total control over their own riding preferences and follow the ride plan while simultaneously providing clear direction to the group, constantly monitoring the group for signals being passed forward, trouble, or any situation which could result in an unsafe condition. In short, the Road Captain must act in the most disciplined and safest manner possible.
• The Road Captain always rides at the left front position so that they have the best view of the route of travel.
• The Road Captain sets the pace according to the ride plan, which should indicate a comfortable speed within the posted limit. Keep in mind that (a) riders at the end of the group may have to ride a little faster to "catch up" if gaps develop in the main group, (b) it is also dangerous to set too slow a pace and impede traffic, and (c) a slow initial pace is needed after any stop so as to not create gaps in the group and to avoid an "accordion" effect.
• No one is allowed to pass the Road Captain without prior agreement and only for a specific reason. Safety considerations make this an absolute must.
• The Road Captain determines both the direction and lane of travel on a multiple lane road or highway. He is responsible for clearly and in a timely manner signaling all changes in speed, lane use, direction, and hazards such as road debris, construction, broken or slick pavement, hazards, etc. Everyone needs to understand that the Road Captain will continue on to a safe turn around location should they miss or purposely go past a turn in the interest of safety.
• The Road Captain must have the ability to pick the safest lane in traffic and to position the group in the appropriate lane for turns, stops, avoidance of road hazards, and when multiple lanes merge down to a single lane. Again, safety considerations make this an absolute must.
• It is advisable for the Road Captain and Sweep Rider to individually or divided between them carry some basic "emergency" type equipment such as a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flash light, road flares, maps of the general area, basic tools, and whatever else is appropriate for the particular ride.

GROUP LEADER(S)

• A very large group may make it advisable to divide the riders into logical groups of from 4 to 6 motorcycles and name one or more Group Leaders. They function under the direction of the Road Captain as leaders of their group.
• A Group Leader always rides at the left front position of their group so that they have the best view of the Road Captain, the riders ahead, and the route of travel.
• A Group Leader in essence takes over as Road Captain for their group should the main group become divided due to traffic conditions, stop lights, stop signs, etc.. They function as the Road Captain for their group and all the other groups following them until they are able to rejoin the main group. All rules that apply to the Road Captain apply to the Group Leader while they function in that capacity.
• Group Leaders share with the Road Captain the responsibility for the following:
• Creating the opportunity and the road space required for other motorists to safely pass through the group in order to exit or enter the route of travel. Ensure that all traffic laws and safe riding techniques are being observed. Help breakup and reform the group as a result of stop lights, stop signs, flag people, traffic conditions, etc.. They should take over temporary leadership of any stray riders resulting from one of these conditions as soon as safety allows.
• The Group Leader helps pass all signals from the Road Captain to the following group of riders.

SWEEP RIDER ("Tailgunner")

• The Sweep Rider brings up the rear of the ride group. The Sweep Rider always rides at the left rear position so that they have the best view of the group and route of travel.
• No one is allowed to fall behind the Sweep Rider. Any rider that is not experiencing difficulties and still cannot maintain the established pace is automatically off the ride and on their own.
• The Sweep Rider is responsible for determining when the group is ready to leave the start location and any intermediate stops. They signal (By Raising an Arm) to the Road Captain to proceed and watch out for traffic until all of the group is underway.
• The Sweep Rider is responsible for and provides assistance to any rider that encounters problems and has to either slow down or drop out of the ride. No more than one other rider should stop to help the Sweep Rider provide assistance, as it is generally not safe for a larger group to park along the side of the road. If at all possible, the Sweep Rider should have or be supplied with a portable telephone and the appropriate emergency phone numbers to be used in the event of a breakdown or a mishap